Biography Season 7 Episodes

Episode 5

Milton Hershey: The Chocolate King

Fri, Jan 6, 199547 mins

He built one of the great American fortunes from the ground up, and in an era of ruthless robber barons, his commitment to fairness led him to sweet success.

Episode 6

P.T. Barnum: America's Greatest Showman

Mon, Jan 16, 199560 mins

P.T. Barnum helps create the modern circus.

Episode 7

Sammy Davis Jr.: Mr. Entertainment

Wed, Feb 1, 199560 mins

Explores the life and career of singer, actor and dancer Sammy Davis Jr.

Episode 8

Melissa Gilbert

Mon, Oct 8, 2001

Episode 9

Donna Summer: From Disco to Diva

Thu, Feb 9, 199560 mins

Profiling 70's disco diva Donna Summer sold millions of albums, winning Grammy's, etc.

Episode 10

Thomas Jefferson: Philosopher of Freedom

Tue, Feb 21, 199548 mins

Put aside the textbook tales for a candid look at the unpredictable life of one of our nation's greatest leaders.

Episode 11

Attila the Hun: Scourge of God

Mon, Feb 27, 199549 mins

His name is equated with bloodthirsty conquest and barbaric fury. But the legendary conqueror was more than just a fighter.

Episode 12

Loretta Lynn: True Story of the Coal Miner's Daughter

Mon, Mar 13, 1995

Born to a poor family in Kentucky and a married mother of three by the time she was 19, Loretta Lynn becomes one of the famous country music performers.

Episode 13

Charlton Heston: For All Seasons

Mon, Mar 20, 199528 mins

The life and times of actor (The Ten Commandments) and NRA activist Charlton Heston.

Episode 14

Love and Death: The Story of Bonnie & Clyde

Mon, Apr 3, 199560 mins

Their lawless spree of robbing and killing took the lives of a dozen people. Yet something about them captured America's imagination; perhaps the glamorous ideal of the romantic outlaw had special appeal during the Depression. Archival news footage, newspaper accounts, and the recollections of observers relate the true picture of Bonnie and Clyde, including the dramatic ambush that ended their lives. An interview with Clyde's sister gives the viewer insight into the character of her brother and his girlfriend.

Episode 15

John Dillinger: Public Enemy No. 1

Tue, Apr 4, 1995

John Dillinger (1903-1934) escapes rural life in Indiana to become a notorious bank robber: the FBI's Public Enemy Number One.

Episode 17

Ted Bundy: The Mind of a Killer

Tue, Sep 12, 199550 mins

Episode 18

Huey Long: The Kingfish

Thu, Apr 13, 199560 mins

Episode 19

The Unknown Jesus

Sun, Apr 16, 1995

Episode 20

The Extraordinary Voyages of Jules Verne

Mon, Apr 17, 199546 mins

He captured the imagination of millions and helped launch a generation of readers and writers on fantastic voyages of the mind.

Episode 21

Marconi: Whisper in the Air

Wed, Apr 19, 1995

Episode 22

Pierre Elliott Trudeau

Tue, Apr 25, 1995

Episode 23

Betty Grable: Behind the Pin-up

Mon, May 8, 199556 mins

Episode 24

Mickey Rooney: Hollywood's Little Giant

Mon, May 15, 1995

Episode 25

Sherlock Holmes: The Great Detective

Mon, May 22, 199546 mins

Take a short stroll through the shady groves of Holmesian academe, where the great detective lives on and the game is still afoot.

Episode 26

Jack the Ripper: Phantom of Death

Tue, May 23, 199550 mins

In the annals of crime, perhaps no name evokes terror more than that Jack the Ripper. Although this anonymous killer committed his gruesome murders more than a century ago, his name lives on. This program goes to England to investigate the murder of five women, which took place in 1888 and have gripped the collective psyche ever since. Most frightening of all is the fact that murderer was never caught, or even identified. Criminologists present their theories on the identity of the infamous killer. Never-before-released photographs graphically display the vicious work of Jack the Ripper's knife.

Episode 27

Howdy Doody and Buffalo Bob Smith

Mon, May 29, 1995

Puppet Howdy Doody and his human friend Buffalo Bob become the first breakout stars of early children's TV.

Episode 28

Genghis Khan: Terror and Conquest

Mon, Jun 5, 199560 mins

His name is equated with barbarism and terror, but the ancient Mongol warlord was as effective a ruler as he was a conqueror.

Episode 29

Patton: A Genius for War

Sun, Jun 11, 199560 mins

March into battle with the arrogant, confounding military genius who was America's greatest field commander.

Episode 30

The Red Baron: Master of the Air

Mon, Jun 12, 199547 mins

See rare combat footage of the Red Baron in action, and witness his burial with full military honors by the British!

Episode 31

Mozart

Mon, Jun 19, 1995

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart becomes one of the most famous composers in history before his death at the age of 35.

Episode 32

Pocahontas: Her True Story

Mon, Jun 26, 199547 mins

Trace the short but extraordinary life of the Native-American princess who left an indelible mark on a fledgling nation, and whose story has been clouded by legend.

Episode 33

Daniel Boone

Tue, Jun 27, 199546 mins

This is the larger-than-life story of the pioneer whose story has been told so many times that fact and fiction have blended into legend.

Episode 35

Crazy Horse: The Last Warrior

Fri, Jun 30, 199546 mins

Trace the saga of one of the last great Indian warriors from his early battles in Wyoming to the Little Big Horn and beyond.

Episode 36

King George III: Mad or Maligned?

Mon, Jul 3, 1995

Episode 37

Paul Revere: The Midnight Rider

Wed, Jul 5, 199544 mins

Venture into the incredible life and legacy of Paul Revere, the master silversmith who forever changed the course of American history.

Episode 38

Benedict Arnold: Triumph and Treason

Thu, Jul 6, 199545 mins

In the Revolutionary War, he was one of America's greatest leaders-until his traitorous turn to the British cause made his name synonymous with treason.

Episode 39

To John with Love: A Tribute to John Candy

Mon, Jul 17, 199560 mins

A special tribute to one of the nicest figures in the show business, the ultra-talented actor/comedian John Candy (1950-1994). Released a year after his death, this biography unites friends and co-stars of his in many films and TV shows to talk about the many qualities of Candy, both as an entertainer, as a friend and family man; his legacy as one of the greatest comedians of all time, and one of the most beloved personalities in the business.

Episode 40

Tokyo Rose: Victim of Propaganda

Wed, Aug 9, 199544 mins

Documentary about Iva Toguri, one of several Japanese-American women collectively known as Tokyo Rose, who was forced to make propaganda broadcasts under the name, "Orphan Ann" from Tokyo by the Japanese government during World War II. After the war she was cleared by US military and Justice department officials. Despite this, she was tried and imprisoned for treason due to an uproar generated by Walter Winchell (a powerful broadcasting personality). Also, the American Legion lobbied relentlessly for her trial prompting the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to renew its investigation of Toguri's wartime activities. In the end, she served six years and two months despite never having broadcast any propaganda nor speaking against the United States and being found not guilty on seven of the eight charges. US President Gerald Ford granted a full and unconditional pardon to Iva Toguri D'Aquino in 1977, based on the lack of evidence and perjured testimony given by several government witnesses.

Episode 43

Malcolm X: A Search for Identity

Sun, Sep 3, 199550 mins

Episode 44

Dean Martin: Everybody Loves Somebody

Mon, Sep 4, 199560 mins

Episode 45

Liberace: Mr. Showmanship

Wed, Sep 6, 199560 mins

Episode 46

Charles Manson: Journey Into Evil

Mon, Sep 11, 199550 mins

A documentary on Charles Manson.

Episode 48

King Arthur: His Life and Legends

Mon, Sep 18, 1995

Episode 49

Robin Hood: Outlaw of the Forest

Tue, Sep 19, 1995

Episode 50

Hercules: Power of the Gods

Wed, Sep 20, 1995

Episode 51

Patrick Henry: Voice of Liberty

Mon, Sep 25, 199546 mins

The life of this country lawyer from the Virginia Piedmont is the story of the growth and spirit of America.

Episode 52

Susan B. Anthony: Rebel for the Cause

Thu, Sep 28, 199546 mins

Episode 53

Andrew Jackson: A Man for the People

Fri, Sep 29, 199544 mins

A look at the life of controversial U.S. President and war hero Andrew Jackson.

Episode 54

Brigham Young: Architect of Faith

Mon, Oct 2, 1995

Episode 55

Christopher Columbus: Explorer of the New World

Mon, Oct 9, 199560 mins

He was determined to find a western route to Asia, but wound up discovering the New World. But despite his accomplishments, he died a broken, largely forgotten man. Christopher Columbus wanted to find a new route to Asia, but became the first European to set foot on the New World. Evidence now proves that the Vikings were there long before him, but even in his own time later explorers usurped his glory! Biography uses period accounts, rare art and artifacts and interviews with world-renowned historians to tell Columbus's often-reinterpreted story. See how he convinced Ferdinand and Isabella to fund his journey and how he never gave up believing that he had reached Asia. Discover how his fortunes and reputation sank so quickly that by the time of his fourth voyage Spanish officials would not let him anchor in their waters. From the dream that led him across the horizon to the fortunes that deserted him and the ongoing controversy over his true place in history, this is the dramatic story of Christopher Columbus.

Episode 56

Leif Ericsson: Voyages of a Viking

Tue, Oct 10, 1995

Episode 57

Marco Polo: Journey to the East

Wed, Oct 11, 199550 mins

Leading historians and historic re-enactments bring the fabled journeys of the world's most famous adventurer to life.

Episode 58

Ponce de Leon: The First Conquistador

Thu, Oct 12, 199544 mins

The life story of Spanish explorer Ponce De Leon.

Episode 59

George Custer: Showdown at Little Big Horn

Mon, Oct 16, 1995

General George Armstrong Custer is profiled.

Episode 60

Sitting Bull: Chief of the Lakota Nation

Tue, Oct 17, 199545 mins

Rare footage and period accounts highlight this portrait of one of the last great Indian Warriors, the man who masterminded the victory at the Little Big Horn.

Episode 61

Wild Bill Hickok: Gentleman of the Old West

Wed, Oct 18, 199546 mins

Trace the extraordinary life of one of the true legends of the Old West from his boyhood in Illinois to the day he drew the aces and eights in Deadwood, South Dakota.

Episode 62

The James Gang: Outlaw Brothers

Thu, Oct 19, 199546 mins

Period photographs, artifacts and recorded accounts, along with commentary from the world's leading historians, make this the definitive portrait of the famous band of outlaws.

Episode 63

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

Fri, Oct 20, 199546 mins

Their incredible exploits earned them a place in American legend. Their true fate remains one of the great mysteries of the Old west.

Episode 64

Boris Karloff: The Gentle Monster

Mon, Oct 23, 199555 mins

Boris Karloff is known for his horror work "Frankenstein", but real-life as a friendly actor.

Episode 65

Lon Chaney: Son of a Thousand Faces

Wed, Oct 25, 199550 mins

Lon Chaney Jr was an underrated actor and had a successful career but never really escaped the shadow of his father, or his own demons.

Episode 66

Bela Lugosi: Hollywood's Dark Prince

Fri, Oct 27, 199555 mins

Episode 67

Nostradamus: Prophet of Doom

Mon, Nov 6, 199547 mins

Explore the incredible life of Nostradamus, the enigmatic man known as the Prophet of Doom.

Episode 68

H.G. Wells: Time Traveller

Tue, Nov 7, 199546 mins

He is remembered as one of the pioneers of science fiction. In his own time, H.G. Wells was one of the most celebrated and influential thinkers in the world.

Episode 69

Paul Newman: Hollywood's Charming Rebel

Mon, Nov 13, 199560 mins

A portrait of Paul Newman examines his film career, marriage to Joanne Woodward, interest in auto racing and line of food products.

Episode 70

Roger Moore: A Matter of Class

Thu, Nov 16, 199550 mins

A Biography presentation of Roger Moore.

Episode 71

James Bond: The Secret Life of 007

Fri, Nov 17, 199560 mins

The phenomenon of James Bond. A biography of writer Ian Fleming, with added footage about the actors and movies.

Episode 73

John Wilkes Booth: Assassin in the Spotlight

Mon, Nov 20, 199550 mins

Episode 74

The Gettys: A Tragedy of Riches

Sun, Nov 26, 1995100 mins

A biography of 20th century petrol-industrialist billionaire Jean Paul Getty. Including his actions toward a kidnapping of his grand kid.

Episode 75

Andrew Carnegie: Prince of Steel

Fri, Dec 1, 199548 mins

Explore the life and legacy of the immigrant who rose to become one of the world's richest men, a legendary philanthropist and the confidante of presidents.

Episode 77

Al Capone: Scarface

Mon, Dec 4, 1995

In the thrilling underworld of speakeasies, Tommy Guns and turf wars, Al Capone was the undisputed emperor of Chicago. Scarface was many things to many people a ruthless and vindictive murderer, a generous patron, and a wild and glamorous impresario. But to all, Capone is the most notorious gangster in American history. Follow his journey from the immigrant neighborhood of his youth to the glittering circles of Chicago's powerful elite with this in-depth program. Rare photographs, films and exclusive interviews paint an extraordinary portrait of the man who became the ultimate American anti-hero. And historians reveal how accountants brought down the ruler of a vast criminal empire. Learn the true story of the legendary gangster who will forever be known as Scarface.

Episode 79

Edgar Bergen: His Many Voices

Thu, Dec 14, 1995

Episode 81

Charles Dickens: A Tale of Ambition and Genius

Fri, Dec 22, 199544 mins

A painful childhood fuels the ambition of the author.

Episode 82

Charles Schulz: A Charlie Brown Life

Mon, Dec 25, 199560 mins

A look at the life of Charles Schultz, the creator of the Peanuts comic strip that ran for fifty years.

Episode 83

Stan Lee: ComiX-Man!

Tue, Dec 26, 199544 mins

Episode 85

Bugsy Siegel: Gambling on the Mob

Wed, Jan 22, 1997

Starting as a mob hit man, Bugsy Siegel quickly becomes a Manhatten mob boss through his relationships with fellow crime entrepreneurs and his assassination of the Mafia old guard. Through his flamboyance and violent nature hold him in good stead as a mob boss it attracts the attention of prosecutor Thomas Dewey forcing him to flee to Los Angeles. In LA his charm soon endears him to Hollywood celebrity. But his in experience and incompetence as a businessman lead to his downfall in the ill fated Flamingo hotel and casino project.

Episode 86

Sigmund Freud: Analysis of a Mind

Fri, Aug 9, 1996

The life and work of the great and influential psychiatrist, Sigmund Freud (1856-1939), is examined. The documentary begins with his confusing childhood. His mother was his much older father's third wife; and he had half-brothers old enough to be his father. Freud was the golden child of the family who knew he was destined for greatness. As a young Jewish man, his hopes of becoming a research scientist were thwarted by the day's antisemitism. Instead, he became a doctor, a specialist in hysteria. His early experiments with hypnosis and cocaine as treatments yielded to what was called "the talking cure", the basis for psychoanalysis. The documentary details the ups and downs of Freud's career. Ridicule and outrage initially greeted the Victorian-age Freud and his ideas regarding the sex life of children. Eventually, his fame and reputation grew to mythological proportions, leading the public to believe he was the leading expert on love and romance. The viewer witnesses the rise of Nazism, which posed a terrible threat to Freud in his final days. Archive footage of Freud and a unique sound recording of his voice are included.

Episode 87

Hirohito

Wed, Dec 7, 1994

The life of Japanese Emperor Hirohito is profiled.